MA International Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MA International Human Resource Management at Westminster is designed for graduates and professionals who want to lead people strategy in a global context. It suits those aiming to combine international HRM theory with practical skills, preparing them for careers in multinational corporations, consultancy, and global organizations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Modules):

Students begin with International Human Resource Management, exploring how HR practices vary across countries and cultures, and how global organizations manage diverse workforces.
In Behaviour, Culture and Change, they examine organizational culture and leadership, learning how to drive transformation in international settings.
The Skills of the Manager/Consultant I and II modules provide hands-on workshops in coaching, mentoring, disciplinary handling, and unconscious bias in recruitment, ensuring students develop practical HR competencies.

Optional Modules (Specialization):

Students can tailor their learning with options such as Employment Law for HR Practitioners in England and Wales, HR Analytics, Reward Management, and Talent Management.
These modules allow students to specialize in areas aligned with their career goals, from global HR strategy to data-driven decision-making.

Focus Areas

International HRM, organizational change, global employment law, HR analytics, coaching and mentoring, reward management, and talent development.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate international HRM theories and practices, design global HR strategies, apply evidence-based solutions to organizational challenges, and demonstrate professional competencies aligned with CIPD standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Students receive paid CIPD joining and membership fees, gaining access to professional resources, networking events, and eligibility for Associate Membership, with the potential to upgrade to Chartered Member status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Graduates have secured roles at leading organizations including BBC, Capgemini, EY, Harrods, HSBC, Google, KPMG, Linklaters, PwC, The Royal Household, Transport for London, and Visa.
Westminster Business School is recognized for its strong industry links and reputation in HRM education, with close collaboration on diversity and inclusion research with CIPD.
The university’s central London location provides direct access to employers, networking opportunities, and industry events, enhancing employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of Westminster’s MA International Human Resource Management is how it blends academic study with hands-on professional practice. You won’t just learn about HR in theory — you’ll actively develop practitioner skills through workshops, consultancy-style projects, and simulations that mirror real workplace challenges. With CIPD accreditation built into the program, every assignment is designed to meet professional standards, while Westminster’s central London location gives you direct access to employers, networking events, and industry resources.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your studies:

Skills of the Manager/Consultant I & II: Practical workshops where you’ll practice coaching, mentoring, disciplinary handling, grievance procedures, and tackling unconscious bias in recruitment. These sessions are highly interactive, often involving group projects and role-play simulations.
People Practice Module: Focuses on HR practitioner skills through applied case studies and exercises, including negotiation and employee engagement strategies in international contexts.
HR Analytics (Optional Module): Offers hands-on experience with digital HR tools and data analysis techniques, preparing you to use evidence-based decision-making in global HR practice.
Employment Law for HR Practitioners: Provides applied learning in legal frameworks, with practical case studies on contracts, disputes, and compliance in multinational organizations.
Research Project in International HRM: You’ll conduct an independent research project, often linked to your workplace or industry interests, developing advanced analytical and consultancy skills.
Professional Accreditation (CIPD): Paid CIPD membership is included, giving you access to professional resources, networking events, and industry-standard toolkits.
Library and Digital Resources: Full access to the Marylebone Campus library, which houses HRM journals, employment law databases, and CIPD resources, alongside digital learning platforms.
Business School Facilities: Modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and access to Westminster Business School’s strong employer connections, ensuring your learning is industry-focused.
Industry Connections: The program’s strong ties with employers and professional bodies mean you’ll engage with guest lectures, networking events, and opportunities to connect with organizations such as BBC, EY, Google, HSBC, PwC, and Transport for London, where Westminster graduates have secured roles.

This combination of workshops, simulations, CIPD accreditation, HR analytics tools, and industry connections ensures you graduate not only with knowledge but with the confidence and practical skills employers demand.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Westminster’s MA International Human Resource Management are prepared to take on leadership roles in multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and global organizations. Typical career paths include International HR Business Partner, Global Talent Manager, Employee Relations Specialist, and Diversity & Inclusion Consultant. With CIPD accreditation and strong employer connections, students gain both the credibility and practical skills to thrive in international HR careers.

Here’s how the university supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: Westminster’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to the university’s online job portal. Students also benefit from employer networking events and mentoring opportunities.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to UK government Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data, Westminster graduates in HR-related fields report median salaries of £25,016 after 15 months, rising to £34,862 after five years, showing strong career progression.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program collaborates closely with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and employers on diversity and inclusion research. Alumni have secured roles at BBC, EY, Google, HSBC, PwC, Transport for London, and Visa, reflecting Westminster’s strong industry reputation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: CIPD accreditation ensures graduates are eligible for Associate Membership, with the potential to progress to Chartered Member status, a globally recognized credential that enhances career mobility.
Graduation Outcomes: Many graduates move into leadership positions in HR, consultancy, and organizational development, while others pursue doctoral research to contribute to HRM scholarship and policy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA International Human Resource Management, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in International Human Resource Management, Organizational Behaviour, or Employment Law at Westminster or other leading institutions. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting-edge HR research, and prepare for careers in academia, consultancy, or high-level organizational leadership.